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Research shows that certain types of messaging about suicide deaths can increase risk among vulnerable individuals. Conversely, positive and safe messages have the potential to help individuals in crisis find the help they need, and educate the public about how they can be involved in preventing suicide. Recognizing this potential, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) and its partners are leading efforts designed to “change the public conversation about suicide and suicide prevention.”

While resources already existed to help journalists cover suicide in news reports, little guidance was available to guide other suicide prevention messengers. The Action Alliance's Framework for Successful Messaging (link is external)(Framework) fills that gap. Drawing from research on effective communications and suicide prevention, the Framework is a resource to help those communicating to the public about suicide to create messages that are strategic, safe, positive, and make use of relevant guidelines and best practices.

Webinar Presenters

Mark Weber, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs/Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Executive Committee Member and Changing the Conversation Priority Initiative Co-Lead, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center at EDC is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), under Grant No. 5U79SM062297.

The views, opinions, and content expressed in this product do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of CMHS, SAMHSA, or HHS.